Kayaks, Oakland Estuary

To learn more about accessibility features at various Water Trail locations please visit the Trailheads tab which links to detailed information for each site.

The Water Trail’s programmatic approach to meaningfully enhancing the accessibility of water access to the Bay is guided by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail Accessibility Plan, which provides a blueprint for how to make the Water Trail program when viewed in its entirety, accessible to persons with disabilities. The final Accessibility Plan was released in January 2015, that document is linked above.

The Water Trail program has provided a variety of grants and planning support to develop accessibility enhancements to boat launches around the Bay. You can always send us feedback about accessibility at launch sites by contacting us.

In addition to reviewing the site-specific information on accessibility that is provided on this website for individual Water Trail sites, interested persons can take advantage of a variety of outdoor recreational programs that provide universal access to the Bay. The following is a list of some Bay Area programs and resources that provide water-related accessible outdoor opportunities or additional information.

A Wheelchair Rider’s Guide: San Francisco Bay and the Nearby Coast

A free guide funded by the California Coastal Conservancy that describes in detail wheelchair access information for more than 100 shoreline parks, trails, historic sites, and other sites of interest around San Francisco Bay and along the coast from Point Reyes to Santa Cruz.

Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS) – San Francisco

Seeks to make all aspects of sailing accessible. To fulfill this mission, BAADS offers members dinghy sailing every Saturday and keelboat sailing every Sunday out of South Beach Marina (Pier 40), adjacent to AT&T Park.

Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) – Berkeley

BORP is the leading provider and promoter of accessible sports and recreation opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) – San Francisco

ETC opens the beauty and challenge of the great outdoors to people with disabilities and disadvantaged youth. Every year, more than 2,000 people join ETC to raft whitewater rivers, ski alpine meadows, kayak the waters of the Golden Gate and Tomales Bay, and build leadership skills.

Healing Waters – San Francisco

Provides outdoor trips specifically for people with HIV and AIDS.

Ride-A-Wave – Santa Cruz

Provides children with special needs the chance to feel the thrill of riding a wave and experience a safe, fun-filled day at the beach, whether they are physically, developmentally or economically challenged.

Shared Adventures – Santa Cruz

Founded on the belief that recreation, fun, challenge and access to the outdoors are an essential part of a healthy and fulfilling life, Shared Adventures is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with disabilities.

California Coastal Commission: Beach Wheelchairs

The California Coastal Commission website has a map and list of California beaches that provide use of beach wheelchairs.